Draft ACHP Policy Statement “Using Archaeological Resources for Public Benefit, including Education and Heritage Tourism” Now Available for Review and Comment

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) requests public comments on a proposed policy statement and accompanying guidance on encouraging the wider use of archaeological resources for public benefit, including education programs and heritage tourism. This draft policy statement is the product of the ACHP’s Archaeology Task Force, appointed by Chairman John L. Nau, III to identify archaeological issues that merited the ACHP’s attention. The need to better capitalize on the rich potential of archaeological resources for heritage tourism and public educational opportunities was one of the three original priorities of the Task Force.

This draft policy statement has been submitted for publication in the Federal Register. After review of comments received, the chair of the Task Force plans to bring the policy and guidance before the full ACHP membership for adoption at its August 15, 2008 quarterly business meeting.

Comments will be accepted until July 14, 2008. Please address all comments concerning this draft policy statement and guidance to Dr. Tom McCulloch, Office of Federal Agency Programs, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, 1100 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Suite 803, Washington, DC 20004. Fax (202) 606-8647. You may submit electronic comments to: archaeology@achp.gov. Please note that all comments submitted to the ACHP will become part of the public record.